Establishes a regulatory framework for the conduct of background criminal and security assessments by the Attorney-General’s Department for applicants for the Aviation Security Identity Card, Maritime Security Identity Card, and any subsequent schemes.

to: provide exemptions for certain Commonwealth Acts and regulations following expiry on 23 June 2006 of the temporary exemption which provided an exemption for all Commonwealth Acts and regulations for 2 years; provide exemptions for certain other legislative instruments, schemes and programs; clarify the application of some existing exemptions; and repeal an exemption for certain regulations no longer in force.

In response to recommendations of the former Parliamentary Joint Committee on ASIO, ASIS and DSD (now the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security), the bill amends the

Australian Security Intelligence Organisation Act 1979

to: extend the existing sunset clause and prior joint committee review period by 10 years to 22 July 2016 and 22 January 2016, respectively; clarify the operation of the warrant regime in relation to warrants for questioning and warrants for questioning and detention; and clarify rights of persons questioned or detained under the warrant regime. Also makes consequential amendments to the

to strengthen its counter-terrorism powers, in particular by: enabling the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) to seek a warrant to detain and question persons over 14 years of age for the purposes of investigating terrorism offences; and provides for safeguards in relation to these new powers, and penalties for officials’ failure to comply with provisions; and

Telecommunications (Interception) Act 1979

in relation to the authorisation of communication of intelligence by persons other than ASIO officers. Also provides for review of the operation of the legislation 3 years after its commencement.

by providing the necessary statutory indication to ensure that entry into a treaty by the Australian Government does not give rise to a legitimate expectation in administrative law that the Government will act in accordance with the treaty, which could form the basis for challenge.